Lions Clubs from across the greater Kawarthas region have come together to raise more than $100,000 for pediatric cancer care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC).
The donation from the Lions Clubs of Districts A3 and A16 to the PRHC Foundation’s Campaign for PRHC means the foundation has met its fundraising goal for an expanded, purpose-built pediatric cancer clinic space at the hospital to meet the growing needs of young cancer patients close to home.
Representatives from many of the participating Lions Clubs gathered at the regional hospital on Wednesday (July 9) for a special cheque presentation and photo to mark the fundraising milestone.
“It’s so exciting to be together here today to recognize the wonderful achievement of your collective pledge in support of the pediatric cancer clinic space at PRHC,” said PRHC Foundation president and CEO Lesley Heighway in a media release.
“We’re incredibly grateful for your commitment to your community, your regional hospital and the care of childhood cancer patients, and all the efforts it took to make this generous donation possible.”
Along with donations from Districts A3 and A16, these 21 individual Lions Clubs contributed to the pediatric cancer care initiative: Bobcaygeon District, Brighton, Campbellford, Chemung Lake, Bridgenorth & Ennismore District, Coboconk & District, East Peterborough, Fowlers Corners & District, Haliburton & District, Havelock, Keene, Kendal, Kinmount & District, Lakefield & District, Lakefield Village, Lindsay East & District, Marmora Crowe Valley, Millbrook & District, Norwood, Oakwood & District, Peterborough, and Stirling & District.
“The Lions’ childhood cancer focus came about because of a lack of services and care for kids with cancer in other countries,” said District A16 chair for childhood cancer Christine Weerdenburg.
“Now, we are very fortunate to be able to help support cancer services and care here. We want to do whatever we can to make a child’s care easier. When we ask the clubs for their support, they do everything they can to make it happen. District A16 and A3 are an amazing bunch of Lions who serve.”
While some of the Lions Clubs’ pediatric cancer care fundraisers will continue over the summer, all the raised funds will be included in the $100,000 donation to the PRHC Foundation.
“Not only has it been an honour to have been a part of this campaign, but it’s also been a wonderful opportunity and learning experience to work with the many clubs in District A3 and the organizing club in District A16,” said District A3 chair for childhood cancer Lydia Elliott.
“The overall response from all the members has been spectacular and we’re thrilled that we’ve met our goal before the expected deadline. All the participating clubs in both Districts A3 and A16 should be proud of their efforts in making this initiative for the much-needed expansion to pediatric cancer care very successful.”
For more information on the Campaign for PRHC and how to get involved or donate, visit prhcfoundation.ca.
